Wilmington Cotton Exchange

The Cotton Exchange, A Window Into Wilmington’s Past is a book dedicated to entrepreneurs Joseph R. Reaves and Malcolm T. Murray. Joe and Mal’s dedication to saving historic buildings and specifically the warehouses that make up today's Cotton Exchange have preserved these buildings for future generations. It was their untiring efforts for over a decade that have preserved the Cotton Exchange for us to enjoy.

Prologue

My purpose in writing this book is to help preserve the Cotton Exchange legacy that Joe Reaves and Mal Murray made possible. After saving the warehouses from a wrecking ball, they saw to the restoration of the buildings and their historical prominence. The Cotton Exchange is a major influence on downtown Wilmington's progress. The riverfront shipping port with its warehouses, cotton compresses and Cotton Exchange buildings were central to Wilmington's growth. Joe and Mal's stories about their efforts to restore the buildings enrich this historical account. Included are sketches of major events in Wilmington's past, ranging from the 1800s over a century ago into the 1980s.

Author David Stallman’s earlier area books are ECHOES of Topsail - Stories of the Island’s Past; Operation Bumblebee 1946-1948; Women in the Wild Blue - Target-Towing WASP at Camp Davis.

This hardcover book sells for $24.50 and has vintage color and black and white photos that enhance the stories. The book is available in Wilmington area bookstores and by email from the author – stallmand@aol.com . David is also available for presentations.